New Patients

Our Commitment to New & Existing Patients

At Urban Smiles Colwood, we’re dedicated to helping our valued patients understand the importance of good oral health–because it’s “not just their teeth” that are at stake.

Indeed, our patients are sometimes amazed to learn of the critical link between their oral health and their overall health. And of course, there’s another severe condition linked to poor oral health that may not show up on a medical scanning device, but can be damaging and devastating at any age: lack of self-esteem.

If you suffer from poor oral health or simply feel that you aren’t enjoying the bright, beautiful smile that you want, at Urban Smiles Colwood we have some welcome news for you and your family: we can help!

Simply contact us to discuss your concerns in a confidential, supportive, and caring environment. We’ll help you understand your options, explain the procedures to you in a clear and non-technical way, and help you choose the path that is best for you, your family, and your vibrant and successful future.

Read on to Prepare for Your First Dental Visit to Urban Smiles Colwood!

Health History
In order to provide you with care, the dentist, hygienists and assistants need to know of any health conditions as well as current medications. This way we can be certain that any treatments we recommend are truly in your best interest, and your health will not be put at risk. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete a dental and health history. You may also choose to complete the form at home online before your visit.

Dental Records
It is often helpful to have access to your most recent X-rays and dental history. We are happy to contact your former dentist on your behalf to request those. In some cases, a written release is required and can be provided by Urban Smiles.

Insurance Payments
As a courtesy, we accept assignment of payment from your insurer, with very few exceptions. We do our best to estimate limits set by your insurer and we are happy to send pre-authorizations at your request. In the event that your insurance company does not pay what we expected, it is your responsibility to pay the balance. We do request that you keep a credit card number on file with us but we will always call for permission before charging your card.

Your First Visit

Thank you for choosing Urban Smiles Colwood for all your dental needs. Your care and comfort is our top priority. In preparation for your first visit please read this page as many of your questions will be answered here. At Urban Smiles Colwood you can expect to receive patient centred care, personalized for you by every member of our team. We strive to make your first visit with us a pleasant one!!

Before your first appointment please ensure that we have the following items listed below. This will ensure efficiency in getting started with your appointment on time.

Please complete the online new patient forms by clicking on this Link
Insurance card/ information such as yearly limits or exclusions
A list of all medications and doses and for what conditions were they prescribed
Last set of X-rays from previous dentist or a name and phone number for us to call
Please let us know if you have any special needs such as wheelchair accessibility or if you require sedation for your dental appointments

During your first visit you will receive a comprehensive evaluation by your hygienist and dentist. Essentially you can expect an exam from the neck up. Your dental practitioner will talk to you about your dental and medical history and note any questions or concerns you may have.

Many health conditions are indicated in the mouth and can affect oral health, so your medical information is extremely important in diagnosing issues with your teeth, gums and mouth.

During your initial visit we will:

Take full mouth X-rays to identify any current problems and to use as a baseline on future visits to detect early signs and symptoms of disease or problems. Canadian Dental Association recommends taking full mouth X-rays every 3-5 years.
Assess the gums for health or disease
Examine teeth for cavities and to determine the condition of the old dental restorations
Perform a had and neck exam, including salivary glands, lymph nodes for lumps or bumps or other abnormalities.
Screen for Oral Cancer and TMJ (jaw joint assessment)
In most cases, the hygiene therapy will be booked at a second appointment with your hygienist

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

After completing the dental examination and cleaning, our doctor will talk to you about the findings, discuss a regular dental exam schedule, and develop a dental treatment plan (if needed) and answer any questions or concerns you may have. If the treatment plan is extensive a second consultation with the dentist may be required

If treatments require a specialist, we will set up the referral for you.